Evidence-Based Practices for
Healthiest Wisconsin 2010

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Health priority: Alcohol and other substance use and addiction

Objective: Evidence-based prevention practices for youth

By 2010, reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among 12-17-year-old youth using evidence-based practices.

1. Reduce the percentage of youth who report binge drinking in the past 30 days.
2. Reduce the percentage of youth who report using marijuana in the past 30 days.
3. Reduce the percentage of youth who report using tobacco in the past 30 days.
4. Reduce the percentage of youth who report first use of alcohol prior to age 13.
5. Reduce the percentage of youth who report first use of marijuana prior to age 13.
6. Reduce the number of youth under the age of 18 arrested for operating while intoxicated to 641.
7. Reduce the number of youth under the age of 18 arrested for liquor law violations to 11,647.

Sufficient Evidence for Effectiveness  

Insufficient Evidence to Determine Effectiveness

Mixed Evidence

Sufficient Evidence for Ineffectiveness

Programs Recommended by a Single Government Entity

Limitations/Comments:
One problem with alcohol and drug misuse prevention research is the long interval between programs and effects. Years can pass between the implementation of an innovative program and the determination of that program's effectiveness. However, by looking at programs over time, some researchers have been able to identify particular characteristics of effective programs and, based on their analyses, suggest components that should be part of any successful program. Every attempt was made to outline these components fully in our review.

In addition, every attempt was made to identify the most influential recommendations and reviews of programs and program characteristics to reduce drug and alcohol misuse among youth. However, this is a topic with substantial research interest and a long history. As a result, some programs currently in use may not be included in this review.

Given the breadth of well-researched programs in this field, and the significant contributions of time and resources necessary to initiate and evaluate a new, untried, program, it is advisable to start with an existing program that has demonstrated evidence of effectiveness.

Additional Resources:
SAMHSA - National Registry of Effective Programs (exit DHS)

NIDA - Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide  - (exit DHS)

OERI - Exemplary and Promising: Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools Programs - (exit DHS)

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